Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Problems With Proscar / Finasteride

Finasteride / Proscar belongs to a class of drugs referred to as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The process of blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, results in lower levels of di-hydro-testosterone (DHT) in the body, which, in turn, reduces the size of the prostate gland.  It is believed that high levels of DHT contribute to an enlarged prostate, which may lead to developing prostate cancer.

Research

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) was set up and run by the American Cancer Society in May, 2005.  The results of the trial were very positive, demonstrating that those participants who took Finasteride were 25% less likely to have developed prostate cancer by the trial’s completion compared with those who took a placebo. Furthermore, it it appeared that taking Finasteride facilitated the detection of prostate cancer in trial participants.

Other Uses

Finasteride was initially approved in 1992 as a treatment for an enlarged prostate gland.  Further research however, has determined that regular use of Finasteride has a positive effect on hair growth for those suffering male pattern baldness.  In December, 1997,  Finasteride was given FDA approval to treat male pattern hair loss.

A 5 year Vertex (top of head) study of men, with mild to moderate hair loss was conducted in the UK.  48% of those treated with Propecia (Finasteride 1mg) experienced a degree of hair regrowth, while 42% experienced no further loss.  In addition, the treatment group remained above the baseline, in terms of average hair count, compared with the placebo group, for the entire duration of the study. GI 09/15/2007

Drug cuts risk of prostate cancer by 30%, study shows

For the first time, leading prostate cancer specialists say they have a drug that can significantly cut men's risk of developing the disease, dropping the incidence by 30 percent.

For the full article please visit the International Herald Tribune by clicking here